Staying power

EASTER MONDAY

I cry out day and night, but you don’t answer, and I can never rest. ~ Psalm 22:2 (CEV)

They begged him, “Stay with us! It’s already late, and the sun is going down.” So Jesus went into the house to stay with them. ~ Luke 24:29 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus stays with us during the stressful times.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, you cried out in anguish from the cross saying that you felt abandoned. I sometimes feel that way and appreciate that you are human with us in that way. I also appreciate that you are eager to "stay" with us during the stressful times. Help me to turn to you rather than inward into myself when I feel the frustration. For the way of the cross leads to resurrection living. Amen.

Resurrection blessings

EASTER -- RESURRECTION SUNDAY

You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God: Your towns and your fields will be blessed. ~ Deuteronomy 28:2-3 (NLT)

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. ~ 2 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus, raised from the dead, is the greatest blessing of all.

PRAYER:

Praise, you God, from whom all blessings flow. We are especially grateful for the blessing of new life which comes to us through the resurrection of your son, Christ Jesus. Forgive us for adding all kinds of stuff to the agenda -- stuff about making us feel better and more successful. Use this day to help us refocus on the good news -- Jesus raised from the dead. It is all about him and what you continue to do through resurrection power. Amen.

Hope in dark times

HOLY SATURDAY

But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. ~ Isaiah 30:18 (MSG)

He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again. ~ Luke 24:6-7 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

In Christ there is hope even at the darkest hour.

PRAYER:

Lord, the Saturday after Good Friday feels dark. Remind me how to push forward with hope -- knowing that tomorrow is Sunday. Amen.

No fear

GOOD FRIDAY

Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. ~ Exodus 14:21 (NLT)

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. ~ Romans 8:38-39 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God's love can drive back waters and raise the dead. We don't have to be afraid.

PRAYER:

Lord God, on this Good Friday I am always refreshed to hear that your love is more powerful than death. It even defeats death. So why am I afraid? Why do I act irresponsibly because I act out of that fear? Help me to see that Good Friday really is good -- that your love always breaks through -- and that I do not need to act out of fear. Amen.